These are the building blocks of art. They are concrete things meaning you can see them and move them.

Line - A mark on a surface, usually created by a pen, pencil, or brush. Lines vary in width, length, direction, color, and degree of curve, and can be two-dimensional or implied.

Shape / Form - A two-dimensional figure created by connecting actual or implied lines that enclose an area of space. A shape can be geometric (such as a circle or square) or organic (having an irregular outline).

Form: A three-dimensional object or, in an artwork, the representation of a three dimensional object, defined by contour, height, depth, and width.

Color - Color: Also referred to as hue, color is the appearance of an object created by the quality of light it reflects. The term color also can refer to a paint, dye, pigment, or other substance that conveys color.

Value - Value: The lightness or darkness of a color. For example, pink is a light value of red, while navy is a dark value of blue.

Texture - Texture: The way a surface feels (actual texture) or looks (visual texture). words such as rough, smooth, shiny, and dull are used to describe texture.

Pattern - Pattern: The regular repetition of colors, lines, shapes, or forms in an artwork.

Space/Depth - Space: The open or empty area round, above, between, within, or below objects.

Shapes and forms are defined by the empty space surrounding them (negative space) and by the space they occupy (positive space).

Principles of Design

These are the concepts or ideas, the theories or states of being to be used to put together the Elements above. If the Elements are the ingredients, then the principles are the recipe for a good picture. Of course these do not secure a good picture. Creativity and means of expression play a huge part in making a piece of art. Also the importance of your statement and it's place and time.

Focal Point / Emphasis - The visual accent, stress, or sense of importance created in an artwork by

The color, size, shape, and placement of an object or area; the area or object to which the viewer's attention is drawn. Focal point is positive space or shape surrounded by negative space or shape.

Contrast- Differences in color, shape, scales, proportions to make a statement or to draw attention

Variety - The use of different elements of art to add interest to an artwork.

Rhythm / Movement - A sense of movement achieved by the repetition of one or more elements of art, such as colors, lines, shapes, or forms in an artwork. Movement also relates to the movement of the eye through the painting.

Scale / Size - The relationship between the size, placement, or amount of one part of an artwork to that of another part of the whole. For example, an artist drawing a head will keep in mind the size relationship of the nose to the face.

Harmony and Unity - A sense of all parts working together

Balance - Balance: The arrangement of the parts of an artwork to give an overall sense of equality in visual weight. Balance can be symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial.

Composition

Composition is a placement or arrangement of visual elements like colour, objects, things in a way that is pleasing to the eye or, a work of art.It is also the organization (Arrangement) of the Elements of Art according to the theories of the Principles of Design.

the Rule of Thirds

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rule-of-thirds-field.png

Tension points are at intersections. The center also works because it is surrounded by the tension points.

Look at the tree and the singer below.

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rule-of-thirds-grid.gif

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rule-of-thirds-tree-power-point.jpg

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rule-of-thirds-slideology.jpg

Examples using the Rule of Thirds. Notice how the focal point travels along and overlaps a tension point or points.

Rule of Odds

The Rule of ODDS has to do with numbers of things.

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rule-of-odds-art-compositio.jpg

It is easier to balance odd numbers than even numbers. Where there are even

numbers of things, the negative space becomes very important to the balancing act.

Just look at the trees above.

36thiebaud.jpg

36thiebaud.jpg

Two Cones, Wayne Thiebaud Is it an even number of things or odd?

What about the negative space? The picture does feel balanced but why?

Probably just gut feeling, Huh?

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Still-Life-With-Skull-And-Candlestick.jpg

Rule of thirds?

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cezanne.pyramid-skulls.jpg

Rule of odds or thirds?

The Golden Triangle

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Rembrandt using the Golden Triangle as a way to balance the focal point and divide the subject into equal parts visually.

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gold24.jpg

gold24.jpg

The Golden Triangle Notice framing at angles. Could the three points of the triangle be a symbol for the Trinity?

The Golden Triangle dates back pre Renaissance When the major patron of art was the Roman Catholic Church. A patron commissions the artists to paint a painting or fabricate a sculpture, therefore they get to pick the subject. This is simplistic but at the top would be Angels where the bottom right might be animals or earthly beings and the left side would be the wise man or something of that nature. All of these in turn are looking at the center or the focal point, Christ's feet which lead up to Christ's head and outstretched arms. Notice the nail in his feet. This is important as to the expression on Christ's face and being crucified.

leonardo-da-vinci-golden-rectangle.jpg

leonardo-da-vinci-golden-rectangle.jpg

Here we have another example of the Golden Triangle and over laid on Mona is the Golden Mean or Phi which simply put is a mathematical equation that works out similarities and perfections and balance of proportions.